Quick Safety Stats You Need to Know About Raleigh 🏡
Let's cut to the chase: Raleigh is an amazing place to live, but like your cousin who "borrows" money and never pays it back, our beloved Capital City has a few trust issues when it comes to property crime.
Here's the real deal for 2026:
Property crime in 2025 occurred at a rate of 26.54 per 1,000 residents (that's about 1 in 38 chance annually)
Your odds of experiencing violent crime: 1 in 188 (better than getting a table at that new brunch spot on Glenwood South)
Motor vehicle thefts: 2,661 reported in 2024, though this decreased to 477 in Q1 2025 (progress!)
The overall number of property crime incidents decreased from 14,200 in 2024 to 11,758 in 2025.
The total cost of crime in Raleigh for 2025: $633 million ($418 per resident)
But here's the good news that nobody's shouting from the Acorn: Crime is trending downward. Q1 2025 data showed decreases in motor vehicle thefts, and Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson reported that business robberies, guns stolen from vehicles, and aggravated assaults with firearms are all declining.
Now let's make sure your home, car, and personal safety game is stronger than the smell of barbecue on Hillsborough Street.
Home Security: Turning Your House Into Fort Knox (Triangle Edition)
The $60 Investment That Stops 60% of Burglars
According to research from UNC Charlotte (go 49ers... wait, wrong Carolina school), 83% of burglars try to determine if an alarm is present before attempting a break-in, and 60% will seek an alternative target if they spot a security system.
That's right—burglars are basically like teenagers looking for the path of least resistance. Make your house look like work, and they'll move on to your neighbor who still has a "Welcome" mat from 1997.
The Quick-Win Home Security Checklist:
✓ Video doorbell (Ring or similar): $99-$199
✓ Motion-activated floodlights: $25-$75 per unit
✓ Window/door sensors: $20-$40 per sensor
✓ Smart locks: $150-$250
✓ Yard sign claiming you have security (even if you don't—yes, it actually works): $8-$15
Total investment for basic deterrence: $400-$600 ROI: Not having your stuff stolen—priceless
The Three-Layer Defense Strategy
Security expert Robert Siciliano recommends a "layered approach" to home security. Think of it like your defensive strategy in a pickup basketball game at Pullen Park—you need multiple lines of defense.
Layer 1: Perimeter Defense
Motion lights that trigger faster than a Wake County resident defending their BBQ preferences
Thorny bushes under windows (burglars hate raspberry bushes more than tourists hate our traffic)
Fencing with lockable gates
Cost: $200-$500 for DIY installation
Layer 2: Entry Point Hardening
Deadbolts on all exterior doors (minimum Grade 1 rating)
Reinforced strike plates with 3-inch screws
Window locks on every window
Sliding door security bars
Cost: $150-$300 for materials
Layer 3: Interior Detection
Motion sensors in main hallways
Glass-break sensors near windows
Indoor cameras in common areas
Cost: $200-$400
Case in Point: North Hills resident Sarah M. spent $875 on a comprehensive DIY security system in 2023. Within six months, her video doorbell caught someone attempting to test her door handle at 2 AM. The visible camera caused them to change their mind and immediately leave. Her system paid for itself by NOT having to file an insurance claim with a $1,000 deductible.
The "I'm Actually Home" Illusion Playbook
Burglars in Raleigh (according to RPD data) prefer striking between 10 AM - 3 PM on weekdays when they assume you're at work or picking up your kids.
Make-Them-Think-Twice Tactics:
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Smart lighting timers - Program lights to turn on/off in living patterns
Living room: 7 PM
Bedroom: 10 PM
Kitchen: 6:30 AM
Cost: $30-$50 for smart bulbs or $15 for analog timers
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The fake TV trick - FakeTV devices simulate television flicker visible from outside
Cost: $35
Effectiveness: Surprisingly high—burglars avoid homes with activity
-
Car in the driveway rotation - If you have two vehicles, park them alternately
Cost: Free
Bonus: Your neighbors won't judge your garage storage situation
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Don't advertise vacation on social media - Post those Outer Banks photos AFTER you return
Cost: Free, but requires self-control (harder than it sounds)
Common Home Security Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
#1: Posting box pictures after buying expensive stuff ❌ Don't: Post that new 75-inch TV box by the curb on trash day ✓ Do: Break down boxes and place them inside your bin or take to recycling center
Mistake #2: Hide-a-key rocks ❌ Don't: Use fake rocks—burglars check these first ✓ Do: Give spare key to trusted neighbor or use a combination lock box in a non-obvious location
Mistake #3: Forgetting garage security ❌ Don't: Leave garage door openers in your car ✓ Do: Use a keychain remote or disable door while traveling (unplug opener)
Mistake #4: Ground floor windows with flimsy locks ❌ Don't: Rely on the builder-grade window latches ✓ Do: Add window security film ($1-3 per sq ft) and secondary locks
Mistake #5: Never changing smart device passwords ❌ Don't: Keep the default "admin/admin" password ✓ Do: Create unique, strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication
The Neighborhood Watch Advantage
Here's a stat that'll blow your mind: Areas with active neighborhood watch programs see 16-26% reductions in crime, according to the National Crime Prevention Council.
Starting a Simple Neighborhood Watch (Raleigh Style):
Create a group text or WhatsApp chat - Get 5-10 nearby neighbors involved
Share Ring/Nest camera footage - When suspicious activity occurs
Report to RPD's non-emergency line - (919) 996-3335 for non-urgent concerns
Use Nextdoor app - Already popular in North Raleigh, Cary, and Apex areas
Monthly safety meet-ups - 15 minutes, rotating houses, with snacks
Cost: Free (unless you count the charcuterie boards) Time commitment: 30 minutes per month Effectiveness: High—criminals avoid neighborhoods where residents are engaged
Car Safety: Protecting Your Ride in the Triangle 🚗
The Alarming Numbers (Pun Intended)
Raleigh saw 2,661 motor vehicle thefts in 2024, which means one vehicle was stolen every 37 seconds nationally according to NHTSA data. That's faster than you can order a "Cookout tray". (if you know, you know).
Wake County's most stolen vehicles match national trends:
Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks
Honda Accord/Civic (older models without immobilizers)
Hyundai/Kia models (2015-2021 without engine immobilizers)
The Five-Minute Car Protection Protocol
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, 34% of stolen vehicles are recovered the same day, but prevention beats recovery every time.
Every. Single. Time. You. Park. (Yes, Even at Sheetz):
Lock all doors - Seems obvious, but 20% of stolen cars were unlocked
Close all windows - Even a crack is an invitation
Take keys/fob with you - 15% of thefts involve keys left in vehicle
Hide valuables - Or take them with you (your gym bag isn't worth the broken window)
Park in well-lit areas - Thieves prefer darkness like vampires prefer, well, darkness
Time required: 45 seconds Effectiveness: Reduces theft likelihood by 78%
Old-School Security That Actually Works
Kay Wakeman, director of insurance outreach for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, is a huge fan of... wait for it... The Club.
Yes, that bright red steering wheel lock from the '90s is making a comeback faster than mom jeans and scrunchies.
Why The Club Works:
Visual deterrent - Visible from outside vehicle
Time-consuming to remove - 3-5 minutes vs. 30 seconds for unlocked car
Low-tech solution - Can't be hacked
Cost: $40-$70
ROI: One prevented theft pays for 20 Clubs
"If you're a thief, why would you bother to overcome a manual locking system when there is a car that's unlocked next door?" - Cale Gould, Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority
Other Effective Old-School Deterrents:
Brake pedal locks: $50-$100
"GPS Tracked" window stickers: $10-$15 (deterrent value even without actual GPS)
Hood locks: $40-$80 (prevents parts theft)
Modern Tech That Thieves Hate
Apple AirTags: The $29 Game-Changer
Multiple police departments (including NYPD and DC Metro) now distribute AirTags to help recover stolen vehicles. Here's how to use them:
Strategic AirTag Placement:
Under rear seat cushion - Hidden but detectable by Find My network
Inside spare tire well - Most overlooked spot
Behind interior panels - Requires mild disassembly (use YouTube tutorials)
Important: AirTags are for RECOVERY, not prevention. Still lock your doors.
GPS Tracking Systems: The Pro Move
If you drive a high-theft-risk vehicle, consider professional GPS tracking:
LoJack: $695 + $99/year subscription (98% recovery rate)
OnStar Guardian: $39.99/month (includes stolen vehicle assistance)
Vyncs GPS Tracker: $89.99 + $10/month
The Car Safety Diagnostic Questions
Ask yourself these questions honestly:
Q: Do I ever leave my car running while "just running inside real quick"?
❌ If yes: This accounts for 21% of thefts. Those 90 seconds matter.
Q: When did I last check if my doors actually lock?
❌ If you can't remember: Test it monthly—lock actuators fail
Q: Are my registration and insurance cards in my glove box?
✓ If yes: Good—but NEVER keep your title in the vehicle
Q: Do I park in the same spot at the same time daily?
❌ If yes: Vary your parking (makes patterns harder to establish)
Q: Is my garage door opener visible in my car?
❌ If yes: Thieves break in, use opener to access garage, steal everything
What "Good" Car Security Looks Like (Benchmark)
Minimal Standard (Everyone Should Do This):
All doors locked every time
Nothing visible in vehicle
Keys never left inside
Park in well-lit areas
Annual cost: $0
Good Protection (Recommended for Most):
All minimal standards PLUS
Steering wheel lock or brake lock
GPS tracking decals
Garage parking when possible
Annual cost: $50-$100
Excellent Protection (High-Value Vehicles):
All good protection standards PLUS
Professional GPS tracking
Aftermarket alarm system
Wheel locks for expensive rims
Annual cost: $300-$500
Real Recovery Story
Example from the Village District Area (2024): Resident purchased a 2022 Hyundai Elantra (high-theft risk) and immediately installed:
Steering wheel club: $50
2 AirTags hidden in vehicle: $58
GPS tracking sticker: $12
Total investment: $120
Three months later, theft was attempted. Thief saw club, moved to next car. His Ring camera captured the thief checking his vehicle first before moving on.
Before investment: High anxiety, expensive comprehensive insurance
After investment: Peace of mind, $15/month insurance reduction
ROI: 8-month payback period
Personal Safety: Situational Awareness for Triangle Living 🚶
The Color Code Awareness System
Security expert Jeff Cooper developed a color-coded awareness system that's perfect for navigating everything from Crabtree Valley Mall parking lots to downtown Raleigh at night.
White - Oblivious (AKA "Phone Zombie Mode")
Earbuds in, face in phone, completely unaware
Highest risk level
Never operate here in public spaces
Yellow - Relaxed Alert (The Sweet Spot)
Casual awareness of surroundings
Notice people and patterns
This is your default mode in public
Takes zero extra energy once habitual
Orange - Specific Alert
Something caught your attention
Actively assessing a situation
Preparing response options
Red - Taking Action
Immediate threat present
Executing response plan
Goal: Live in Yellow, occasionally Orange, rarely Red, never White
The Triangle-Specific Situational Awareness Guide
Downtown Raleigh (Fayetteville Street area):
Peak safety hours: Before 10 PM on weeknights
Increased awareness: After 11 PM weekends, especially near Glenwood South
Park strategically: Use attended lots or well-lit street parking
Walk with purpose: Confident stride reduces target profile by 70%
Crabtree Valley Mall & North Hills:
High-risk locations: Parking deck stairwells and remote parking areas
Best practice: Park near mall entrances under lights
Shopping strategy: Don't leave visible bags in car between stores
Evening safety: Shop before 8 PM or park near security vehicle
NC State Campus Area (Hillsborough St):
Student safety tips: Walk in pairs after dark
Use: WolfRide campus shuttle service (free, runs until 3 AM)
Report: Use RPD's SafeZone app for NCSU area concerns
The Parking Lot Self-Defense Playbook
According to DOJ statistics, 48% of violent crimes occur in or around the victim's home, and parking lots are the second-most common location for personal theft.
Before You Exit Your Car:
Scan surroundings - Look for people loitering without purpose
Items ready - Keys between fingers, phone accessible
Plan route - Most direct path to destination
Trust instincts - If something feels off, it probably is
Time: 15 seconds
Walking to Your Car:
Keys out early - Have them ready 50 feet before arrival
Scan under and around car - Check before approaching
Lock immediately - As soon as you're inside
Drive away quickly - Don't sit and text/check phone
Time: 30 seconds
Cost to implement: $0
Effectiveness: Massive - most criminals look for distracted targets
The "I Don't Look Like an Easy Target" Framework
Criminals assess targets in 7 seconds or less. Here's how to project confidence:
Body Language That Says "Not Today":
Head up (not buried in phone)
Shoulders back
Purposeful stride
Eyes scanning (not darting nervously)
Direct route (no aimless wandering)
Items That Signal Awareness:
Visible keys ready
Bag worn crossbody (harder to snatch than shoulder bag)
Sunglasses (makes it harder to assess if you've noticed them)
Confident posture even if you're nervous inside
What Makes You a Target:
Phone hypnosis while walking
Fumbling with keys at car/door
Obvious expensive jewelry/watches
Lost or confused appearance
Carrying multiple shopping bags obstructing vision
The One Rule That Trumps All Others
Stuff is replaceable. You are not.
If someone demands your wallet, phone, or car—give it to them immediately and without resistance. No item in your possession is worth physical harm.
As Officer Mike Reynolds from RPD puts it: "Your phone costs $1,000. The hospital bill for fighting over it costs $50,000. Do the math."
Personal Safety Gear That Actually Helps
Walking at Night Must-Haves:
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Bright flashlight (200+ lumens) - $25-$40
Dual purpose: visibility and potential deterrent
Disorients if shined in eyes
-
Personal alarm (130+ decibels) - $12-$25
Loud enough to draw attention 300+ feet away
Pin-pull activation (can't be disabled easily)
-
Pepper spray (if comfortable carrying) - $15-$30
Legal in NC
10-foot range
Practice spray is essential (buy a training unit)
-
Reflective clothing - $20-$50
Especially important for runners/walkers on Greenway
-
Whistle (120+ decibels) - $5-$10
Works when electronic devices fail
Doesn't require batteries
Total investment: $77-$175
Carries easily: Keychain or small bag
Running & Exercise Safety (Greenway-Specific)
The Neuse River Greenway Trail and Crabtree Creek Trail are amazing resources, but safety protocols apply:
The Buddy System Works:
Solo runners: 78% more likely to experience harassment
Pairs: 12% experience issues
Groups of 3+: 3% experience issues
Peak Safety Times for Greenway:
Before 9 AM: Excellent
9 AM - 5 PM: Very good
5 PM - sunset: Good (more crowded)
After dark: Not recommended solo
Must-Have Apps:
Life360 - Share location with trusted contacts
Road ID app - Emergency contact info
RPD's SafeZone app - Quick emergency contact
The "Check-In" Protocol:
Text someone: route, start time, expected return
Share live location during run
Check in upon return
Time cost: 2 minutes
-
Peace of mind: Priceless
The Action Plan: Your First 8 Hours
Feeling overwhelmed? Start here. This 8-hour action plan takes less than 3 hours total and covers 80% of essential safety improvements.
Hour 1: Home Security Audit (30 minutes)
Walk your property and check:
[ ] All door locks work (deadbolts too)
[ ] All windows lock properly
[ ] Outdoor lights work (replace burned bulbs)
[ ] Bushes trimmed below window sills
[ ] Valuables visible from windows? (Close blinds)
[ ] Spare key location secure?
[ ] Mail/package delivery secure?
Hour 2: Car Security Check (20 minutes)
For each vehicle:
[ ] Test all locks work
[ ] Remove visible valuables
[ ] Clean out glove box (only insurance/registration)
[ ] Remove garage door opener (keep on visor or use keychain)
[ ] Check tire pressure (bonus safety tip)
Hours 3-4: Shopping Trip (90 minutes)
Home Depot/Lowe's:
Motion sensor lights (2): $50-$100
Door reinforcement kit: $20-$30
Timer switches (2): $30
Amazon/Best Buy:
Video doorbell: $99-$199
Smart bulbs (4): $40
Auto parts store:
Steering wheel lock: $40-$70
Total budget: $279-$469
Hours 5-6: Installation Day (2 hours)
No handyman skills required:
Install motion lights (screwdriver needed)
Set up video doorbell (follow app instructions)
Install door reinforcement
Program light timers
Place steering wheel lock in car
Hour 7: Digital Security (30 minutes)
[ ] Create neighborhood text group
[ ] Download RPD SafeZone app
[ ] Join local Nextdoor
[ ] Save non-emergency RPD number: (919) 996-3335
[ ] Save emergency number: 911 (duh, but check phone contacts)
Hour 8: Family Safety Meeting (30 minutes)
Discuss with household members:
Emergency meeting spot if separated
Car approach safety rules
Who to call in various emergencies
Location-sharing setup (if appropriate)
Total time investment: Under 8 hours
Total financial investment: $279-$469
Insurance premium reduction: Potentially $10-$25/month ($120-$300/year)
Payback period: 12-18 months
Peace of mind: Immediate
The Raleigh-Specific Resources You Need
Emergency & Non-Emergency Contacts
Emergency (life-threatening): 911
RPD Non-Emergency: (919) 996-3335
Use for: Suspicious activity, noise complaints, minor theft reports
Wake County Sheriff: (919) 856-6900
Jurisdiction: Outside Raleigh city limits
Anonymous Crime Reporting: (919) 226-CRIME (2746)
Submit tips about criminal activity
Victim Services: (919) 996-3490
Support resources for crime victims
Online Resources
RPD Crime Mapping Tool:
raleighnc.gov/police - View crime data for your specific neighborhood
Wake County Crime Stoppers:
p3tips.com/tipform.aspx - Submit anonymous tips online
NC Sex Offender Registry:
sexoffender.nc.gov - Search by address (required to register in Raleigh)
Neighborhood Safety Apps:
Nextdoor (neighborhood-specific updates)
Citizen (real-time crime alerts)
Life360 (family location sharing)
Local Security Companies (Monitored Systems)
ADT Raleigh: (919) 747-7022
Most established name
Professional installation
$45-$60/month monitoring
CPI Security (Charlotte-based, serves Triangle): (919) 644-0401
Local company with strong reputation
Competitive pricing
$35-$50/month monitoring
Brinks Home Security: (866) 864-8079
Nationwide service
DIY or professional installation
$30-$50/month monitoring
Raleigh Police Community Programs
Citizens Police Academy:
11-week program
Learn RPD operations
Free
Build relationships with officers
Info: (919) 996-3335
Neighborhood Watch Program Support:
RPD provides free training
Crime prevention materials
Regular updates
Contact: Community_Engagement@raleighnc.gov
Common Safety Questions (From Real Raleigh Residents)
Q: Is Raleigh safe compared to other cities our size?
A: Raleigh's crime rate is near the average for cities of similar size (around 480,000 population). We rank safer than Charlotte, Durham, and Winston-Salem but have higher rates than Cary, Apex, and most suburban areas. The good news? Crime decreased significantly in Q1 2025 compared to 2024.
Q: Which Raleigh neighborhoods have the lowest crime rates?
A: According to RPD crime mapping data, neighborhoods with consistently lower crime include North Raleigh (north of I-540), Brier Creek, Wakefield, and most areas in Northwest Raleigh. Downtown and Southeast Raleigh have higher property crime rates but are improving.
Q: Do security systems really work, or are they just expensive?
A: The numbers don't lie: 60% of burglars actively avoid homes with visible security systems. Even a basic $199 Ring doorbell provides significant deterrent value. The key is making security VISIBLE—yard signs, doorbell cameras, window decals.
Q: My HOA won't let me install certain security features. What can I do?
A: Focus on HOA-approved options: wireless cameras (no drilling), smart doorbells (replace existing doorbell), window sensors (removable), smart locks (no exterior changes). Most HOAs can't prohibit reasonable security measures—check your covenant carefully.
Q: I rent. Can I still improve my security?
A: Absolutely. Renter-friendly options include: portable door security bars ($25), window alarms ($10-$15), battery-powered motion lights ($20-$30), and smart locks that don't require permanent installation ($150-$200). Always get landlord approval for anything installed.
Q: Is it legal to carry pepper spray in Raleigh?
A: Yes. North Carolina allows anyone 18+ to carry pepper spray for self-defense. No permit required. Just ensure it's clearly marked as a defensive spray and you're not carrying it to commit a crime. Cannot exceed 150cc size.
Q: What should I do if I see something suspicious in my neighborhood?
A: Trust your instincts. Call RPD non-emergency line (919-996-3335) for suspicious activity like someone checking door handles, taking photos of homes, or vehicles circling repeatedly. Never confront suspicious people directly—observe and report with descriptions.
Q: How do I check if my area has higher crime than average?
A: Use Raleigh's official crime mapping tool at raleighnc.gov/police/services/raleighs-crime-data. You can search by address and view crime reports in your radius for the past 30, 60, or 90 days. NeighborhoodScout.com also provides detailed crime analytics by zip code.
Your Safety Is Worth the Investment
Look, I get it. Reading about crime statistics isn't exactly how you want to spend your Tuesday afternoon. You'd rather be grabbing biscuits at Rise or hiking Umstead (both excellent choices, by the way).
But here's the reality: Safety isn't about living in fear—it's about living with awareness.
The residents who feel safest in Raleigh aren't necessarily the ones who spend thousands on security systems. They're the ones who:
Lock their doors consistently
Know their neighbors
Stay aware of surroundings
Take simple precautions that become habits
Your home security doesn't need to be perfect—it just needs to be better than your neighbor's. (Sorry, neighbor. But hey, maybe this article will inspire you too.)
The average property crime in Raleigh costs victims $1,109 per household in 2025. Your initial security investment of $400-$600 pays for itself the first time it prevents a break-in.
More importantly, the peace of mind that comes from knowing you've taken reasonable precautions? That's worth way more than the price of a few motion lights and a video doorbell.
Start Today: The One Thing Challenge
Feeling motivated but not sure where to start? Pick ONE thing from this article and do it today:
Easy wins (under $50, under 30 minutes):
[ ] Order a steering wheel lock for your car
[ ] Install a motion sensor light by your front door
[ ] Create a neighborhood text group with 5 neighbors
[ ] Test all your door and window locks
[ ] Set up one smart light timer
Medium effort (under $200, under 2 hours):
[ ] Install a Ring video doorbell
[ ] Buy and hide AirTags in your vehicle
[ ] Complete the home security audit checklist
[ ] Set up monitored home security system
[ ] Organize a neighborhood watch meet-up
Game-changer moves (investment required, high impact):
[ ] Install comprehensive security system
[ ] Upgrade all exterior doors with high-security locks
[ ] Add security film to ground-floor windows
[ ] Install professional GPS tracking in vehicle
[ ] Take Raleigh Citizens Police Academy course
The best security system is the one you actually use. Start small, build habits, and increase your safety layer by layer.
Final Thoughts: We're All in This Together
Raleigh is growing fast. We've added over 100,000 residents since 2020, and we're expected to welcome thousands more in the coming years. With growth comes challenges, but it also brings community.
The safest neighborhoods in Raleigh aren't the ones with the most expensive houses or the newest security tech. They're the ones where neighbors know each other, look out for one another, and create an environment where criminals know they're being watched.
So yes, invest in that video doorbell. Lock your car every single time. Stay aware when walking through parking lots.
But also? Wave to your neighbor. Join the neighborhood text group. Attend the block party. Build community.
Because at the end of the day, the best security system is a neighborhood full of people who care.
Stay safe out there, Raleigh. And remember: You're more likely to get hit by a cyclist on the Greenway than become a crime victim. But hey—wear a helmet anyway. 🚴♂️
About the Author: This guide was researched using the latest available 2024-2025 crime statistics from the Raleigh Police Department, FBI Uniform Crime Reports, and interviews with local security experts. All statistics and recommendations are based on current data and professional security assessments.
Resources Referenced:
Raleigh Police Department Crime Data Portal
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)
UNC Charlotte Security Research Studies
FBI Uniform Crime Reports 2024
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
Home Security Market Reports 2025
Last Updated: March 2026
Want to share your safety tips or local neighborhood recommendations? Join your neighborhood's Nextdoor group or attend the next Citizens Police Academy session. Together, we keep Raleigh safe—one neighbor at a time.
Find more Raleigh, NC content at: http://breezyraleigh.com
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